After having a tough weekend, the ACC has delivered some outstanding football, with tonight’s Georgia Tech vs. Clemson game as well as FSU vs. Miami going down to the wire.
We’ve got several big games in week 2 of the College Football season. Our picks for Saturday are below.
#3 USC at #8 Ohio State. The Buckeyes were embarassed 35-3 in Los Angeles last season. Jim Tressel spent this week fielding questions about his team’s ability to win games against Top 5 teams and wondering whether he now needs to micro-manage what players put on their eye blacks. In case you didn’t hear about it, QB Terelle Pryor had “Vick”, in reference to Eagles QB Mike Vick on one of his eyes last week. Even with the game in Columbus, I get the sense USC and their freshman QB, Matt Barkley, will come into this game loose and ready to play. USC 35, Ohio State 17.
South Carolina at #21 Georgia. It was a tale of two games for the Dawgs last weekend, with senior QB Joe Cox leading a great drive to open the contest, followed by a Oklahoma State defense that clamped down on Georgia’s offensive attack. If Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks can stay patient and not make too many mistakes, they’ll walk out of Athens with a win. With Arkansas, Arizona State, LSU and Tennessee on Georgia’s schedule the next four weeks, this season could spiral out of control in a hurry. South Carolina 20, Georgia 17.
#18 Notre Dame at Michigan. Both coaches, Rich Rodriguez and Charlie Weis really could use a victory here. Neither have had great offseasons and both are feeling the pressure from their constituents. The Irish defense was stout last weekend against a tremendous Nevada offense. If QB Jimmy Clausen can have a big week against Michigan and the following week (Michigan State), he will start to get some serious love for the Heisman. Look for the Fighting Irish to show that last week was not a fluke. Notre Dame 27, Michigan 24.
#16 TCU at Virginia. This is a statement game for the Horned Frogs, who are out to get some press and demonstrate they belong in the BCS conversation with Boise State and BYU. In light of last week’s loss by Al Groh’s Cavaliers to William & Mary, is this the beginning of the end for him? This won’t help. TCU 41, Virginia 20.
Mississippi State at Auburn. Last season’s 3-2 victory by the Tigers showed that the spread offense on Tony Franklin wasn’t working, which contributed to his mid-season firing and the unraveling of Tommy Tuberville at the University. New coaches Dan Mullen (MSU) and Gene Chizik (Auburn) should show they have both programs moving in a positive direction. The winner of this one won’t finish last in the SEC West, but the loser might. Auburn 31, Mississippi State 17.
Air Force at Minnesota. The Golden Gophers got all they wanted from a weak Syracuse team last weekend, emerging victorious in OT. Meanwhile, Air Force destroyed Nicholls State 72-0. The Mountain West conference will continue to build respect. Air Force 34, Minnesota 24.
UCLA at Tennessee. This will be the first big win of the Lane Kiffin era as the Vols get revenge for last season’s stunning loss at the Rose Bowl. Home field will be a big factor in this one. Tennessee 33, UCLA 27.
East Carolina at West Virginia. After Cincinnati’s demolition of Rutgers last weekend, combined with West Virginia’s sluggish victory over FCS opponent Liverty, it will be interesting to see how the Mountaineers come out this weekend. Skip Holtz will have his Pirates ready. Look for WVU to pull away late in the contest. West Virginia 28, East Carolina 24.
Purdue at Oregon. How will the Ducks respond following the suspension of RB LeGarrette Blount? New coach Chip Kelly would like to see his offense back on track this week. Meanwhile, can the Big Ten finally get a non-conference win at Autzen Stadium? Oregon 20, Purdue 13.
What are your picks for this weekend?
Enjoy the games!
